Sodium Oleyl Sulfate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: 1847-55-8, Oleyl sodium sulfate, Sodium oleyl alcohol sulfate, OLEYL SODIUM SULPHATE, SODIUM OLEYL SULPHATE, 9-Octadecen-1-ol, Hydrogen sulfate, Sodium salt
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Not Clean
Sodium (Z)-octadec-9-enyl sulphate
Formula
C18H35NaO4S
Mol. Weight
370.50
CAS #
1847-55-8, 16979-51-4
Form
Powder
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Foaming
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Surfactant Cleansing
Surfactant Emulsifying
Anti-Inflammatory
Antimicrobial
Fights Acne
Removes dirt and impurities
Creates cleansing foam
Lifts away dirt and oil
Mixes oil and water
Traditional Use
Developed in the mid-20th century as a synthetic surfactant derived from oleic acid. Used in modern cosmetics as a cleansing agent with no traditional or historical use.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR